Hearing Matters Podcast

Send us a textWhen you hear "managed care" in audiology, what comes to mind? In this eye-opening conversation between Dr. Douglas Beck and Dr. Noël Crosby, the troubling reality of third-party payment systems in hearing healthcare takes center stage.Dr. Crosby, a three-time president of the Florida Academy of Audiology with decades of clinical experience, pulls back the curtain on how managed care administrators position themselves between patients, insurance companies, and audiologists – often to the detriment of comprehensive patient care. The discussion reveals how Medicare Advantage plans, now covering roughly half of all Medicare recipients, frequently fail to deliver on their marketed hearing benefits.The most concerning revelation? Many third-party payers operate under the false assumption that everyone with hearing difficulties simply needs hearing aids. This fundamentally misunderstands audiology's scope of practice. As Dr. Beck points out, approximately 26 million Americans have perfectly normal hearing thresholds but struggle with speech comprehension in noisy environments – issues that require specialized testing beyond basic screenings.Both experts share compelling insights about the limitations of "free hearing tests," the inadequacy of quick screenings, and the ethical problems with viewing every patient as a potential device sale rather than someone deserving comprehensive care. The conversation turns particularly insightful when discussing tinnitus management, highlighting how third-party payment systems often prevent patients from accessing treatments that could significantly improve their quality of life.For anyone navigating hearing healthcare, whether as a patient, provider, or caregiver, this episode provides crucial perspective on a system that often prioritizes profit over patient outcomes. The Academy of Doctors of Audiology's recent call for major reforms in hearing healthcare coverage underscores the urgency of rethinking how we value and deliver audiological services.Listen now to understand why the future of hearing healthcare depends on recognizing audiologists as healthcare providers first – not simply as hearing aid dispensers. Your hearing deserves more than a quick screening and a sales pitch.While we know all hearing aids amplify sounds to help you hear them, Starkey Genesis AI uses cutting-edge technology designed to help you understand them, too.Click here to find a provider near you and test drive Starkey Genesis AI! Connect with the Hearing Matters Podcast TeamEmail: hearingmatterspodcast@gmail.com Instagram: @hearing_matters_podcast Twitter: @hearing_mattasFacebook: Hearing Matters Podcast

Send us a textWhat if your entire life changed at the age of 19? Matt Hay shares his incredible journey of sudden hearing loss due to neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) and the pivotal moment an audiologist recognized the need for further medical evaluation, leading to his diagnosis. This episode underscores the critical importance of comprehensive audiology practices and the life-altering impact of an accurate diagnosis.Join us as we explore the pioneering world of auditory brainstem implants (ABI). From the early challenges at the House Ear Institute to the remarkable personal account of a patient who underwent the ABI procedure, we cover it all. Listen to how this groundbreaking technology transformed everyday sounds and interactions, reshaping lives, including Matt's, and even influencing his wife’s career path as they embarked on starting a family.In a deeply touching segment, Matt opens up about the emotional and psychological toll of facial paralysis. He shares his experiences with visible and invisible disabilities and his profound gratitude for advancements in ABI technology. We also spotlight Blaise Delfino's inspiring contributions to hearing care advocacy and celebrate Matt’s heartfelt book, which has resonated deeply with our audience.While we know all hearing aids amplify sounds to help you hear them, Starkey Genesis AI uses cutting-edge technology designed to help you understand them, too.Click here to find a provider near you and test drive Starkey Genesis AI! Connect with the Hearing Matters Podcast TeamEmail: hearingmatterspodcast@gmail.com Instagram: @hearing_matters_podcast Twitter: @hearing_mattasFacebook: Hearing Matters Podcast

Send us a textWhy can some people completely forget about their tinnitus when engaged in challenging activities, while others remain painfully aware of it no matter what they do? The answer lies in our brain's complex attention systems, according to Dr. Grant Searchfield.In this illuminating conversation with host Dr. Douglas L. Beck, Dr. Searchfield unpacks his groundbreaking scoping review on attention's role in tinnitus management. While most practitioners acknowledge attention's importance, Searchfield discovered a surprising gap—very few studies actually measure attention changes or make them a central treatment focus. This oversight may explain why tinnitus treatments work differently for different people.When tinnitus first appears, our brain's survival mechanisms automatically flag it as important. This isn't just psychological—it involves neurological changes in how our auditory system connects with other brain regions. Dr. Searchfield explains that effective treatment must address both conscious attention (what we choose to focus on) and automatic attention (what our brain prioritizes without our control).The conversation takes fascinating turns through various treatment approaches, from traditional sound therapy to cutting-edge bimodal stimulation that pairs auditory with tongue or visual stimulation. Dr. Searchfield makes a compelling distinction between passive attention (having background sounds playing) versus active engagement (deliberately focusing on alternative sounds or activities). The latter appears significantly more effective, similar to how active learning outperforms passive observation in education.For anyone struggling with tinnitus or clinicians treating it, this episode offers transformative insights into why combining treatment approaches might be more effective than relying on a single method. The future of tinnitus management likely lies in personalized therapies that target multiple attention pathways simultaneously.Subscribe to Hearing Matters for more breakthrough conversations that bridge hearing science with practical applications. Have you noticed how your attention affects your tinnitus? While we know all hearing aids amplify sounds to help you hear them, Starkey Genesis AI uses cutting-edge technology designed to help you understand them, too.Click here to find a provider near you and test drive Starkey Genesis AI! Connect with the Hearing Matters Podcast TeamEmail: hearingmatterspodcast@gmail.com Instagram: @hearing_matters_podcast Twitter: @hearing_mattasFacebook: Hearing Matters Podcast

Send us a textDr. Douglas Beck sits down with Dr. Brandon Paul to unravel the fascinating world of auditory neuroplasticity and its profound implications for hearing health. Dr. Paul shares cutting-edge research on how our brains adapt when hearing diminishes—and what happens when we restore that sensory input.The conversation begins with a clear explanation of neuroplasticity as the brain's ability to reorganize itself throughout our lives, though most actively during early development. When hearing loss occurs, the brain doesn't simply accept reduced input. Instead, neurons become hyperactive through increased spontaneous firing, stronger responses to weak signals, and enhanced neural synchrony—all attempts to maintain their expected level of stimulation.Most remarkable is the phenomenon called cross-modal plasticity. As auditory input decreases, visual processing intensifies in brain regions typically dedicated to hearing. Dr. Paul explains that this isn't a simple takeover but rather an unmasking of existing multisensory connections. Surprisingly, proper hearing aid fitting can reverse this process, normalizing both visual and auditory responses even in older adults.The cognitive implications are significant. Untreated hearing loss forces the brain to rely heavily on internal templates rather than actual sensory input, creating opportunities for miscommunication and increasing cognitive load. This contributes to the well-documented connection between hearing loss and cognitive decline—a risk that multiplies dramatically when combined with untreated vision problems. Whether you're an audiologist, hearing care professional, or someone concerned about hearing health, this episode provides invaluable insights into why early intervention matters. The brain's remarkable adaptability offers hope that appropriate hearing technology can not only improve communication but potentially preserve cognitive function throughout life.While we know all hearing aids amplify sounds to help you hear them, Starkey Genesis AI uses cutting-edge technology designed to help you understand them, too.Click here to find a provider near you and test drive Starkey Genesis AI! Connect with the Hearing Matters Podcast TeamEmail: hearingmatterspodcast@gmail.com Instagram: @hearing_matters_podcast Twitter: @hearing_mattasFacebook: Hearing Matters Podcast

Send us a textEver wondered why some hearing aids feel invisible while others never quite sit right? The secret lies in the impression-taking technique—and Ray Woodworth is the master.Ray joins Dr. Douglas Beck on the Hearing Matters Podcast to reveal the artistry behind deep canal impressions. As a Board-Certified Hearing Instrument Specialist at Starkey's Center for Excellence, Ray has tackled some of the most challenging fittings nationwide, refining techniques that transform patient experiences."The ear is the boss," Ray emphasizes repeatedly. This fundamental philosophy drives his approach to custom fittings, respecting each ear's unique anatomy rather than trying to force technology where it doesn't belong. His insights overturn common practices—revealing why cotton trumps foam for blocking, and why video otoscopes revolutionize the processThe conversation demystifies technical aspects like material viscosity and shore values while making a compelling case against the overreliance on dome fittings. Ray explains why he opts for custom solutions 80% of the time when many practices do the opposite, demonstrating how proper canal impressions deliver superior sound direction, better retention, and often improved cosmetics.Most fascinating is the window into the factory perspective, where Ray's experience troubleshooting thousands of challenging cases has crystallized into a knowledge, tools, and skills (KTS) approach that any hearing professional can adopt. For practitioners and patients alike, this episode illuminates why those few extra millimeters of impression material can make the difference between hearing aids that transform lives and those that sit unused in drawers.Want to elevate your fitting technique or understand why your hearing aids might not feel quite right? This conversation is your masterclass.While we know all hearing aids amplify sounds to help you hear them, Starkey Genesis AI uses cutting-edge technology designed to help you understand them, too.Click here to find a provider near you and test drive Starkey Genesis AI! Connect with the Hearing Matters Podcast TeamEmail: hearingmatterspodcast@gmail.com Instagram: @hearing_matters_podcast Twitter: @hearing_mattasFacebook: Hearing Matters Podcast

Send us a textAre you or someone you know struggling to hear in noisy environments, yet are told your hearing is normal? This episode of the Hearing Matters podcast focuses on the often overlooked yet critical concept of subclinical hearing loss. Experts Dr. Christina Roup and Dr. Douglas L. Beck discuss the limitations of traditional pure-tone audiometry, revealing how it fails to capture the full spectrum of auditory challenges faced by many individuals today.This episode provides valuable insights into the best practices for evaluating auditory processing and exploring the implications of extended high-frequency hearing on speech comprehension. If you're a hearing healthcare provider, this episode is a must-listen for improving your approach to evaluating and supporting patients experiencing hearing loss and auditory processing disorder. We invite you to share this episode, subscribe, and join the conversation on the vital topic of hearing health. Have you ever struggled to hear, even with normal test results? Your experience matters, and we would love to hear from you!While we know all hearing aids amplify sounds to help you hear them, Starkey Genesis AI uses cutting-edge technology designed to help you understand them, too.Click here to find a provider near you and test drive Starkey Genesis AI! Connect with the Hearing Matters Podcast TeamEmail: hearingmatterspodcast@gmail.com Instagram: @hearing_matters_podcast Twitter: @hearing_mattasFacebook: Hearing Matters Podcast

Send us a textAre you aware of the sounds your ears can’t hear? This episode dives deep into extended high-frequency hearing, a vital but often overlooked component of audiology. Join us to uncover how testing ranges above 8,000 Hz can reveal significant insights into your auditory health.Dr. Melissa Fling shares her expertise and personal experiences as an audiologist. She explains the science behind high-frequency hearing loss and challenges the traditional limitations of standard audiometric tests. Discover why failing to assess these extended ranges may lead to unseen communication struggles that many individuals face, even while passing regular hearing tests. Through case studies from Dr. Fling’s practice, we explore how patients often present with "normal" thresholds yet experience complications related to high frequencies. Learn about the patient-centered approach that seeks not only to confirm hearing loss but to enhance quality of life through personalized treatment. This episode isn't just for audiologists; it’s for anyone who’s ever wondered about the complexities hidden within our hearing capabilities. Engage with us as we discuss the urgent need for a shift in audiological practices and how we can make strides toward comprehensive assessments for everyone. Want to be proactive about your hearing health? Tune in, and let’s start the conversation! Be sure to subscribe and share your thoughts on this crucial topic.While we know all hearing aids amplify sounds to help you hear them, Starkey Genesis AI uses cutting-edge technology designed to help you understand them, too.Click here to find a provider near you and test drive Starkey Genesis AI! Connect with the Hearing Matters Podcast TeamEmail: hearingmatterspodcast@gmail.com Instagram: @hearing_matters_podcast Twitter: @hearing_mattasFacebook: Hearing Matters Podcast

Send us a textUnlock the secrets of speech audiometry and speech perception with the renowned Dr. Lisa Lucks Mendel. With over 35 years of expertise, Dr. Mendel offers an enlightening exploration into the significance of choosing the right tests for speech perception assessments. Learn why classic tests like NU6 and CIDW22 remain relevant and how full 50-item word lists provide a more authentic reflection of natural speech sounds. Discover the rationale behind shorter word lists and how they can streamline assessment without compromising their purpose.Get ready to unravel the complexities of evaluating speech recognition in challenging auditory environments. The Signal-to-Noise Ratio 50 (SNR-50) test stands as a pivotal tool in understanding hearing loss and the benefits of hearing aids. As we examine the nuances of phoneme-focused scoring, particularly impactful for cochlear implant users, we offer fresh insights into setting realistic expectations for auditory device performance. This episode also delves into the scoring protocols that might just change the way we interpret hearing capabilities.Join us as we compare the efficacy of modern MP3 recordings against traditional monitored live voice (MLV) in audiometric testing. Uncover the surprising findings from our student-led research and the implications for clinical practice moving forward. As we advocate for standardized methods in speech and noise assessments, Dr. Mendel reflects on the historical recommendations that still resonate today. This episode promises a comprehensive look at enhancing real-world hearing evaluations, leaving our listeners informed and inspired by Dr. Mendel's invaluable contributions.While we know all hearing aids amplify sounds to help you hear them, Starkey Genesis AI uses cutting-edge technology designed to help you understand them, too.Click here to find a provider near you and test drive Starkey Genesis AI! Connect with the Hearing Matters Podcast TeamEmail: hearingmatterspodcast@gmail.com Instagram: @hearing_matters_podcast Twitter: @hearing_mattasFacebook: Hearing Matters Podcast

Send us a textWhat if ethical practice isn't a destination but a continuous journey? Join us for a compelling discussion with Dr. Michael Page, an esteemed audiologist whose career has been profoundly shaped by his work in bioethics. Dr. Page offers invaluable insights into the universal application of ethical principles in audiology, sharing how his early experiences as a pediatric audiologist led to his involvement in a hospital bioethics committee. Listen as we uncover the foundational principles guiding ethical decision-making across diverse settings, transcending beyond specific fields like medical ethics.Throughout the episode, we tackle the complexities of maintaining professional autonomy amidst business interests while ensuring uncompromised patient care. Drawing from Zeno's paradox, we explore the ongoing journey of ethical practice, emphasizing principles like autonomy, non-maleficence, beneficence, and justice. We address real-world challenges, including the ethical dilemmas that arise from industry relationships and the legal framework provided by the Safe Harbor Act. Our conversation illuminates the proactive responsibility audiologists have in discussing the long-term outcomes of untreated hearing loss and the importance of informed guidance over scare tactics.From ensuring fairness and equity in professional relationships to balancing thorough patient care with business demands, this episode is a rich exploration of ethics in audiology. We highlight the role of organizations like the Audiology Practice Standards Organization in setting independent standards and the collaborative efforts of experts like John Coverstone. With ethical guidelines akin to those of the Rotary Club, we emphasize prioritizing the well-being of those we serve, underscoring the fundamental principle of doing the right thing for the right reasons. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of the ethical landscape in audiology and beyond.While we know all hearing aids amplify sounds to help you hear them, Starkey Genesis AI uses cutting-edge technology designed to help you understand them, too.Click here to find a provider near you and test drive Starkey Genesis AI! Connect with the Hearing Matters Podcast TeamEmail: hearingmatterspodcast@gmail.com Instagram: @hearing_matters_podcast Twitter: @hearing_mattasFacebook: Hearing Matters Podcast

Send us a textCan lifestyle choices truly prevent more than 50% of dementia cases? Join Dr. Douglas Beck and Dr. Dung Trinh as we explore this thought-provoking question and uncover groundbreaking insights. Our discussion dives into the 2024 Lancet study, highlighting 14 modifiable risk factors for dementia and the potential to prevent or delay nearly half of all cases. You'll learn about the crucial role primary care plays in managing Alzheimer's amidst a shortage of neurologists and the importance of addressing lifestyle factors like sleep and obesity. We also weigh the benefits and challenges of FDA-approved monoclonal antibodies, exploring their promise and limitations.In our in-depth conversation, we explore the evolving landscape of Alzheimer's detection and treatment. Hear about the promising potential of biomarkers like P-tau-217 and the role of genetic factors like APOE4. We discuss shifting treatment strategies, moving beyond amyloid-targeted therapies to consider tau proteins and the immune system's involvement. The conversation also shines a light on the flaws in our healthcare system's focus on treatment over prevention, examining the impact of lifestyle industries and Medicare Advantage plans on preventive health measures. Join us for this enlightening discussion that promises to challenge your understanding of Alzheimer's care and prevention.While we know all hearing aids amplify sounds to help you hear them, Starkey Genesis AI uses cutting-edge technology designed to help you understand them, too.Click here to find a provider near you and test drive Starkey Genesis AI! Connect with the Hearing Matters Podcast TeamEmail: hearingmatterspodcast@gmail.com Instagram: @hearing_matters_podcast Twitter: @hearing_mattasFacebook: Hearing Matters Podcast